Expanding Opportunities, Enhancing Futures

Physics student selected to attend prestigious Science School in Australia

Physics student Jack Saville is preparing for a summer of a lifetime at The Professor Harry Messel International Science School, which takes place at the University of Sydney this July.

Held every two years, ISS is a visionary science event for 140 academically talented students from Australia, China, Japan, India, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, the USA and the UK who fly to Sydney for an unforgettable fortnight of science. Jack is one of five students from the UK who have won a place on the prestigious programme.

Every ISS has a theme around which they set their programme of talks and activities; this year’s theme is Future Power: The Energy Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions Ahead.

Each day the ISS features talks by leading research scientists from Australia and overseas, together with heaps of hands-on, brain expanding activities. Beyond the lecture theatres students have the chance to explore real research labs, get their hands dirty on a wide range of experiments and activities, and meet a hoard of like-minded science-mad students from all over the world.

As well as the lecture series from Nobel Prize winners alongside up-and-coming researchers — all with an inspiring story to tell, daily tours and activities, there is a packed social calendar which includes a Harbour Cruise, nightly social events and a Gala Reception in the University of Sydney’s Great Hall.

Scholarships around £3,500 are reserved for five talented students from the UK. They have to be currently studying AS Physics, progressing to A2 Physics as well as intending to read for a science-related degree at university. The Scholarships cover all expenses relating to the programme, including international airfares contributed by the Ogden Trust.

To enter, all applicants require a letter of recommendation from their school or college, as well as this they must complete a 1000 word essay, this year’s was based around a scientific application of a high-speed camera. Jack wrote about using it to record sound waves in water and piece them together to recreate the original sound. He chose this because of his interest in music and acoustics.

Jack Saville said: “When I applied, I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to go to such a special place. I’m really excited about to meeting all the other people from all across the world, and I’m looking forward to the social activities as well as the interesting lectures around the theme of future power.”

Principal Joanna Bailey said: “Jack’s achievement is quite exceptional and we are thrilled that he has been successful in this prestigious and demanding venture. His achievement does the college and, most importantly, Jack great credit. I am sure the trip will prove to be a life-changing experience and we wish him every success for the future.”

We wish Jack the best of luck and can’t wait to hear all about it when he returns.